The Crime Victims Assistance Program consists of working with victims of crime.
A designated staff member in cooperation with the four Precincts gathers very basic information on crime victims age 60 and older. All victims are sent an outreach letter explaining the help that is available regarding the victimization and when eligible, financial compensation available through the N.Y.S. Office of Victim Services.
In 1986, CASC was the first contract provider to perform claim compensation assistance to eligible crime victims. Other concrete services provided are personal face to face counseling, telephone support, information service, court advocacy and court accompaniment and applications for needed replacement documents, benefits and entitlements.
Call to get more information at 718-981-6226, Option 2.
Scams Targeting The Elderly
IRS SCAM – A fraudster calls and pretends to be a representative from the IRS, FBI or utility company. The victim is told that he is in default for back taxes or owes money on his utility bill and must pay immediately to avoid criminal prosecution or having the heat shut off. The victim is instructed to buy a Green Dot card, place a specific amount of cash on it, then call back the phone number provided and supply the serial numbers from the card, OR meet the IRS agent. Provide the information to the Police.
Utility SCAM – Thieves claiming to work for the water department or another utility company try to gain entry into your home by saying they need to check the meter, water pressure, or gas leaks. They sometimes show some form of credentials and may even carry a walkie-talkie. Don’t let them in your home call 911.
Family Member in Distress SCAM – Scammers impersonate distressed family members in desperate need of money, then ask you to send the needed funds by Western Union or other means. Don’t send any money. Report it to your local police Pct.
Telephone Fraud Involving Jury Duty – Individuals contact you by telephone stating you missed your Grand Jury appearance or have been selected for jury duty. The caller requests verification – name, Social Security number, date of birth etc. If the request is refused, you are threatened with fines or prosecution. Don’t give them any information.
Credit Card Number Theft – You receive a call or email from someone impersonating a representative from a legitimate company. The perpetrator will try to convince you they need your credit card number to help protect your account. Don’t give them any information.
Microsoft SCAM – Neither Microsoft nor their partners make unsolicited phone calls to conduct computer security or software repairs. Do not give out any information; don’t let them into your computer. Just hang up.
Sweepstakes SCAMS – (Jamaican Scam) you receive a check and are asked to cash it and send a portion back. The Check is not real. Or a phone call or email claiming you won a sweepstakes but are asked to send money to claim it. Never give your Credit Card number to claim a prize or wire money.
Hotel Check-in SCAM – After checking into a hotel you get a call from someone claiming to be from the front desk asking you to verify your Credit Card information again because of a problem. Go to the front desk personally don’t give up your Credit Card numbers.
ATM Skimming – A criminal attaches a phony card-reading device over the real card reader (usually with two sided tape) either at entrance door or ATM machine. Before using these devices give them a tug. If it feels loose or out of place call the police. A criminal may also attach a device to the cash dispenser “trapping” the money and retrieving it after the customer leaves the ATM area.
People posing as Licensed Contractors seeking jobs – Alleged contractors knock at your door looking for work. Don’t let them in your home. If possible get their information and verify who they are. Call your Pct. Crime Prevention Officer.
Police calling for donations – The Police Department & the Fire Dept. never call for donations. If you are being called BEWARE it is not the Police or Fire Department & none of the money donated goes to these Departments.
E-Z PASS SCAM – The MTA has issued a warning that a an email which looks as though it was sent by the E-Z Pass service center asks customers to download an invoice with a list unpaid tolls. Don’t do it.
Bank SCAM – You get a text, email or phone call saying that there is a problem with one of your accounts, do not follow the steps that you are given instead call your bank or Card Company for verification.
DEED SCAM – Protect your home from being illegally deeded by filing a Notice By Mail of Recorded Document (you can get online) or file online at the NYC Department of Finance www.nyc.gov/dof.